We aren't a contender now unless a few key players improve but realistically I don't see any big moves being made next year, I think it'll be that summer that the Blazers try and make significant upgrades.
Well said. This really is the most important time for this franchise in a while. Was a great point about wasting LA's prime. I'm glad we have Neil as our GM for these next few (hopefully a lot) seasons.
I won't bet on the Blazers making the Finals until the Spurs age out, which gives us a few years to build the team. Aldridge is what, only 31?
He's 28. 29 next year. Dirk Nowitzki was 36 last year, and made $22m for an 8th seed. Yet, according to posts I've read here, LMA isn't worth $20m/year on what will be an expanding cap, and even a new CBA at the upcoming opt-out in 2017. Which may actually be a good reason for owners to take on a big contract starting next summer. An amnesty clause is basically automatic at this point. Owners love it because they can basically buy out a bad contract. Players love it because it opens up a bunch of cap space for a new contract, while the amnestied player also gets waived. I hope they do 2 amnesty clauses next CBA. Hell, why not 5? Both sides win, as long as your team's owner is rich enough to buy out players.
For Jeff Withey fans: This HOU/N.O. trade Woj reported may involve (to make trade legal) at least a couple of expirings New Orleans has that allow these contracts to be waived before certain early to later July dates. This could get complicated but Jeff Withery could be one of those guys that gets traded to the Rockets and then waived as they clear capspace for Melo/LBJ
@MarkHeisler: Way I hear it (cont.): #Celtics want Sac's No. 8 for Rondo. If they get it, Ainge takes Payton/Smart at No. 6.
I don't want to read this whole thread. Can someone give me an overview in one post? All I know is Chandler to Mavs and Asik to Pelicans. What else is happening? Are Melo and LeBron really going to Houston? Any shot we make a trade tomorrow? Thanks in advance.
Rumor Rockets are trying to make a play for Lebron, then trade Melo to NY for Harden in sign and trade (sounds like a long shot). Rockets can also clear cap space by trading Lin and then sign Melo as FA. All quite on Blazer front. Lots of teams talking about selling draft picks. Blazers can spend up to 3 mil to buy a pick. My guess is draft will go by without Blazers making a move.
Celtics will reportedly take him at 6 if he falls there. But on the eve of the draft, several league sources said that Embiid could fall to the Celtics at the sixth pick — and that the Celtics are expected to grab him if he’s there.
